Sabri Dibaco
More than 18,000 children have been vaccinated against measles in a major public health campaign aimed at preventing outbreaks in hard-to-reach communities in the Abyei administrative area.
According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) health officials, a total of 18,552 children were immunised during the campaign conducted between 27 March and 9 April 2026.
Many of the children received vaccines for the first time, marking a significant step toward improving child health in the region.
In a statement by the MSF health officials, reaching children in Abyei often requires health teams to go beyond conventional facilities.
Medical workers travelled to remote villages, cattle camps, and displacement sites to ensure no child was left behind.
“The campaign achieved an impressive 95 per cent coverage rate, helping to strengthen immunity across vulnerable communities,” the statement reads
Among those vaccinated were 359 “zero-dose” children, those who had never received any routine immunisations before.
The MSF health experts say identifying and vaccinating these children is critical to preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles.
“Measles spreads quickly in areas affected by displacement, insecurity, and limited access to healthcare; it can be especially dangerous. Vaccination isn’t just prevention; it’s protection,” the statement partly reads
Measles remains a serious threat in areas affected by displacement, insecurity, and limited healthcare access.
The disease spreads rapidly and can be fatal, especially among young children with weak immunity. Health officials emphasised that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and save lives.
By deploying mobile teams to underserved areas, the campaign successfully closed key immunity gaps and reduced the risk of future outbreaks.
The initiative was led by the Abyei State Ministry of Health in collaboration with community leaders and frontline health workers, with support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and other partners.
Authorities have called for sustained efforts to expand routine immunisation services, ensuring that all children in Abyei receive life-saving vaccines regardless of their location.